April 01, 2010
The VA Experience
The Value From Investments In Health Information Technology at The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs
Abstract from Health Affairs, 29, no. 4 (2010): 629-638; doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2010.0119
We compare health information technology (IT) in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to norms in the private sector, and we estimate the costs and benefits of selected VA health IT systems. The VA spent proportionately more on IT than the private health care sector spent, but it achieved higher levels of IT adoption and quality of care. The potential value of the VA’s health IT investments is estimated at $3.09 billion in cumulative benefits net of investment costs. This study serves as a framework to inform efforts to measure and calculate the benefits of federal health IT stimulus programs.
Authors: Colene M. Byrne is a senior analyst at the Center for IT Leadership, Partners Healthcare, in Charlestown, Massachusetts; Lauren M. Mercincavage is a research analyst at the Center for IT Leadership; Eric C. Pan is a senior scientist at the Center for IT Leadership; Adam G. Vincent is an associate senior analyst at the Center for IT Leadership; Douglas Johnston is executive director of the Center for IT Leadership; and Blackford Middleton is chairman of the executive committee, Center for IT Leadership.
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